22 independent reviews for Umbria self guided walking holiday, Italy
Reviews for Umbria self guided walking holiday, Italy
Stephen Vogel review 8 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery was beautiful, really enjoyed passing by the olive groves filled with wild flowers. Montefalco and Bevangna especially are quieter and a nice contrast to Assisi, which gets lots of visitors.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relatively easy walking, mostly on smaller roads with little traffic. We had some wet weather and were glad we had rain jacket and pants. For most of the walks there wasn’t a place to buy food along the way but it was easy to buy food in the morning before we started walking.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in small hotels, and ate at local restaurants. As it was a walking trip, environmental impacts were lessened.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a great time. Patrizia was great, she stayed in touch with us all along and gave us very helpful information about each of the towns and great restaurant recommendations and got back in touch with us very quickly whenever we contacted her. The directions were very clear and Patrizia picked us up the one time we got lost. It made the time very relaxing.Andrea Bruce review 5 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The small towns are delightful, and it was special to see them dressed for the holidays, the main piazzas and narrow streets sparkling with lights. The walk from Spello to Assisi was especially picturesque as the trail crossed the hillside with lovely views to the valley. I was in awe of the beautiful frescoes in churches, with no crowds at all. And the food was so good!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Learn a few words in Italian, it will open up conversations with the friendly people you will meet.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. The hosts, Patrizia and Giulia of the tour operator, are a family run business and they have developed this walking tour with this in mind. In addition to family run accommodations, there are many small shops where you can buy unique items, like hand made jewelry or olive oil, directly from the people that crafted/produced them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful. This is thanks to Patrizia and Guilia who are very knowledgeable about Umbria, planned a thoughtful itinerary (incl. detailed walking notes and other tips) and were available for support throughout my stay. I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to a friend.Nitya Harris review 15 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking everyday and seeing new things was super. The small towns were great fun to explore.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely would recommend Italian Delights to plan such a holiday.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We really liked being in the small hotels run by local people. Also, walking from place to place reduced our travelling by car.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was excellent and managed very well by the operator- our thanks to them for taking such good care of us.Susan Rice review 9 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful villages of Umbria were a delight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack your walking shoes and enjoy the Umbrian countryside on this relaxed holiday. The walking is easy to moderate with plenty of time to walk & then arrive to enjoy each village.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This holiday really benefited the local people. We were met & advised by lovely locals in Foligno, stayed in small family hotels & chose our own local restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was an excellent holiday for couples or small groups.Howard Gospel review 18 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Views over Umbria.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that this route is not on walking footpaths, but on (mostly) small or very small roads.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It will certainly have benefitted local people, where we stayed and ate. The fact that we walked and did not use any vehicles except transfers from and to the railway stations at the start and finish.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Theresa Ferrugia review 30 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The places we stayed were all wonderful! The choices of small hotels in the small towns were really terrific.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Great walking opportunities everywhere in the small towns. People friendly and always willing to help if you need any advise.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely low impact on the environment and added to the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Just wonderful. The contacts with the folks at the operator were very helpful before and during the trip.Kate Holley review 20 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Spello loop walk within Mount Subasio park, views were stunning and the visit to Collepino where we enjoyed a drink at La Locanda made a perfect Sunday. Plus throughout the week, the passion and customer service of the hotel staff, B&B restaurant & shop owners for their local area and produce.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with the local recommendations for eating out and places of interest, especially Scottaditos in Bevagna. Consider an extra day in Assisi at the end of the walk, as it is nice to have time to relax at the hotel but there are also places to see.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it benefitted local people by supporting small local businesses4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, it was the first time we had been on a self-guided walking holiday and we were very impressed with the organisation, the bag pick-up, the routes and the chosen accommodation; they all had something different to offer. Relatively easy walking, great scenery, butterflies, wild flowers with good food and wine and places of interest.Monica McCormick review 9 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks were splendid. We also loved the small cities we visited, but the walks between (and near) them gave us a perspective on the region we couldn't have had from visiting the towns alone.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Walking early in the day during warm weather was good. That gave us plenty of time to see the towns we arrived in, and made the walks more pleasant.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The hotels and restaurants we visited were all locally owned and managed. We enjoyed being able to see so much without a car.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent. The arrangements were exactly as described, directions for the walks were clear and accurate, and the locations where we stayed and walked were lovely.Dave Wortley review 21 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting our host in Bevagna, the hotel was just exquisite and his company excellent2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I believe it did benefit local people, we stopped in independent hotels along the route4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent holiday, we were a small group of two couples who enjoyed the walking, the places we visited and immersing ourselves in all that Umbria could offerBláthnaid Ní Shéalaigh review 2 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The people we met, including Patrizia and Giulia. Walking through the country side, enjoying nature all around.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Follow the recommendations from the operator, they were very good. Check with hotel / B&B about what restaurants are open.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it did benefit local people. Patrizia and Giulia did provide refuse bags and explained the recycling structures.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a relaxing way to spend 6 days, just what we were looking forIan and Diane review 25 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting people in each of the villages we stayed/walked through2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for the walking - with good shoes and water bottles etc - generally not difficult . If possible research the towns you are walking through - often there are are special days/festivals that occur in some of these3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all the accomodation was run (owned) by locals who were passionate about their towns & local environment4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable - well planned and detail information providedJane Patton review 11 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We really liked the first town of Montefalco and a restaurant we ate at there in the same street as the hotel. We loved the medieval town of Spello and would have liked to stay longer than 2 nights. Perhaps it might be a good idea to omit Cannara and do some walks from Spello, staying there 3 nights instead of 2. We enjoyed walking to Copellino as we were walking on proper paths through the countryside and woodland, with beautiful views. The walk from Spello to Assisi was lovely too. The Basilica di St. Francesca in Assisi was a memorable and beautiful church, one of the most beautiful ever encountered in fact. Amazing frescoes and ceilings. The restaurant Trattoria deli Umbri in Piazza del Commune, Assisi we really enjoyed as well as Il Menestrello Ristorante Pizzeria nearby. All the hotels were very different in character and excellent.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The instructions for the walks were misleading at times, especially the walk down from Collepino. At one point (7) we encountered a notice saying "No access Private" which was confusing but appeared to be the only way down. That path, about 500 metres long was very steep with loose rock. People, especially older walkers should be warned about this. We had informed Christina from the operator as well as Responsible Travel that Sonya had broken her leg 5 months previously and therefore we needed more details of the kind of walks expect, before making a booking. We asked several times but didn't get a satisfactory response. We were very disappointed in Cannara, a thoroughly depressing town with nothing of interest except for one very good restaurant. Both churches were closed. There were 3 restaurants recommended in Bevagna, which unfortunately were all closed. We did not eat well there. We stayed on an extra 2 nights in Assisi which we were glad of as if we had arrived there after walking from Spello, there would have been no time to see anything there, but one extra night would be sufficient. We found our walking boots and walking poles were absolutely essential especially in the later walks.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It would have benefitted local people as the hotels, restaurants and shops were mostly owned by locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The good aspects outweighed the negatives. We did it enjoy it very much overall. If Cannara had been changed it would have been much better.Sonya Taylor review 7 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Basilica in Assisi was breathtaking. I really enjoyed the Spello loop walk from Spello to Collepino and the walk from Spello to Assisi was wonderful. Spello is a beautiful little town and also Montefalco. The hotels were all excellent.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that some of the walks are much longer than stated on the general information about the holiday and a lot of time is spent walking on paved roads, so I would recommend sturdy walking boots. Many of the suggested restaurants and churches were closed, so don't rely on the recommendations too much. Ask to avoid Canarra. It is a dismal little town, all the churches seemed to be permanently closed, there was only one restaurant worth going to and there is nothing much to see there. I notice that other reviews have made similar comments about Cannara yet nothing has been done to change the itinerary. It slightly spoiled the overall experience of Umbria. Two of the walks were very enjoyable but the first two were rather dull, along paved roads. Directions were sometimes confusing or misleading, especially the route back from Collepino, where the directions sent us on a steep and rocky downward path which had an Access Prohibited sign on it. We had to take this route as there was no other, except the main road. Be aware that you might not pass anywhere to buy water or food on the walks, so take this with you.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most of the shops and restaurants were owned by local people, so I presume they benefited.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Parts of the holiday were wonderful, the walk to Collepino, the stay in Spello and Assisi. The hotels were very good and varied and character and, apart from Cannara the hotels were situated in the centre of the town. We particularly liked the hotels in Spello and in Assisi. The owner of the hotel in Bevagna was very hospitable and helpful - we felt like guests in his home. He also gave us a lot of useful information about the town. The holiday was good overall, apart from the stay in Cannara which felt like a wasted day.Sue Spencer review 18 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking along quiet lanes beside olive groves listening to Cuckoo's and nightingales. Seeing the walled towns in the distance and then getting the chance to explore them, visit museums and churches and eat really good food and drink local wines. We would have liked to stay longer with our host in Bevagna, Frederico and maybe included wine tastings etc.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ask for slightly different itinerary to avoid Cannara, make sure you do the walk from Spello up to the mediaeval village but take food and drink as bar may be closed. You don't need to get your own maps as all directions were clear. Have a day in Perugia if you can and use suggestions for where to eat.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used small hotels and local restaurants, walking was environmentally friendly and were given recycling bags to help sort our rubbish.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Organisation by tour operator and contact with them was really good. Our disappointment with visit to Cannara is recognised and they are trying to rejig the route. This is the only thing that stops holiday getting 5 stars as all the other stops and accommodation were great.Hazel Hayhurst review 19 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is very hard to say that as it was all brilliant. The most memorable bits might be the tasting dinner at Villa Colle di Rocco near Cannara, and visiting the lower church in San Francesco in Assisi at 8.15 am while mass was being sung in the chapel of St Francis's tomb and we only had to share it with three other people. The most exciting might have been the sudden view of Collepino after a long uphill walk.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You can totally rely on the arrangements made for this holiday. They did everything perfectly - lovely people, wonderful places to stay in overnight, very well chosen routes between the places we visited, and a brilliant selection of villages and towns to see. And it all worked just as they had said it would.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our tour operator are clearly working very hard to create low-impact tourism. They chose places for us to stay which were clearly run by local people who were thinking carefully about what they did. They encouraged us to recycle rubbish and enabled us to return any material we did not need at the end of the holiday.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We knew nothing about Umbria and were totally enchanted by it because of this wonderful introduction.Nicola Richards review 10 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful towns in which we stayed, the walking and the passionate hoteliers and B&B people we met. So knowledgeable about Umbria's history, it's products (wine, cheese, figs, olives etc).2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with the flow, walk in the mornings if it's hot and then have a siesta on arrival at the other end. Or enjoy the town you wake up in, in the morning and walk in the afternoons when everything is closed. Look up the check in times of the B&B you are walking to. Take the eating recommendations given to you by the people you are staying with.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10!Colin Johnston review 13 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I very much enjoyed this holiday, and especially enjoyed visiting the various medieval towns, which all had their own character. The Umbrian countryside was green and gentle and a delight to walk through. I also enjoyed the accommodation, which again was varied, but each place very special.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The walking notes were detailed and easy to follow, so don't have any worries about that. The walks were not arduous, and I found that I could walk in the morning and be at my destination by lunchtime, giving me plenty of time to look around. It was quite hot during my holiday which was another reason for walking in the morning.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the accommodation was in small, locally run establishments, and local restaurants were recommended. There was also an emphasis on recycling.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An excellent short holiday, run by local people. I would very much recommend our tour operator. I would also recommend Umbria.Kevin Fidler review 5 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting local people,visiting places not on the mainstream tourist list and learning about life in Umbria; walking around an area you would not usually visit or see. Some of the history is fascinating and unexpected - the Etruscans, for example. All the places we visited were charming and had lots of points of interest (Assisi was the exception) without many of the less attractive aspects of tourism - gift shops etc. Sampling local food and drink - in Spello we met a local wine merchant and his family; learned a lot about local wines and their production, ate some very nice food. The accommodation was excellent, it was varied but all of a very good standard and the owners were all extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful. Far better than the rather impersonal service you can get with bigger resorts.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do some homework on the various places you visit and spend some time exploring them before going on the various walks. Each place has something of interest to visit or learn about and the local people are wonderful and friendly to speak to and talk about their area. On the walks make sure you take something to eat and especially supplies of water or drinks - there are not many places to get these in-between the various towns. Remember also some places close down for the afternoons between 1pm and 4pm a least; Cannara for example is also closed entirely on a Tuesday. The walking itself is mostly on straightforward tracks and paths, comfortable footwear is recommended but need not be heavy boots etc. In September we found the early mornings and evenings significantly cooler so light trousers and a warm top are recommended.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. Our accommodation was almost invariably with small, local B&B's rather than hotel chains. Recommendations for places to eat centred on local restaurants and the accommodation owners are happy also to recommend places to go. The holiday provider were also at pains to ensure the routes we took were established pathways and we were provided with various bags to put recyclable materials in etc. This is our third trip with Responsible Travel and we have very much appreciated the efforts to use local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Firstly this was a very well organised holiday by the holiday provider. We were able to contact them beforehand with queries and arrangements; they were very flexible in their arrangements so the holiday was planned around our needs- just ask if you wish to incorporate something, we found Cristina to be very accommodating. They met us at the station and the transfer of our luggage each day was done very efficiently. Each accommodation were ready for our arrival at whatever time we turned up. The routes were thoughtfully and well planned with clear maps and directions; it took a lot of the effort away from us and helped us enjoy the places more. We would have no hesitation in recommending this holiday and Umbria as a destination; it's full of history, wonderful scenery and people. Worth the star rating - excellent holiday.Dawn Faber review 29 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was a terrific trip. And it was, literally, a last minute choice for us. We were originally scheduled to travel to France, but flooding and the continued rain forecast caused us to seek a last-minute itinerary change. As it turned out, this was a welcomed change. The journey through Umbria, "Italy's green heart," is gorgeous. The villages were lovely, the people kind and welcoming and the hotels/B&Bs were all comfortable, clean and very accommodating. Historically, we've done all of the leg-work and booking. We've created our own walking journeys, found and booked hotels and booked the inn-to-inn luggage transfer. We'll never do that again, thanks to Responsible Travel and the tour operator. Everything met or exceeded our expectations. Luggage transfer occurred seamlessly and the hotels were always expecting us (usually with our luggage already in our rooms); and there was never any confusion about hotel payment.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a leisurely walking journey. Most walks are flat and the distances are 10k or less. So if you're seeking a lung-busting exercise routine, this isn't a trip for you. But, if you're looking for a beautiful destination with walks that'll take just under 3 hours each day; you've found it. Our typical day involved waking up late, eating the lovely breakfasts provided by our hosts, leaving the hotel around 10a to buy some snacks and water, then walking to our next destination. We'd usually arrive at the next village in time for lunch and an early check-in at our next hotel, Then a walk through town, a nap, a late dinner, and repeat. For us - that's a perfect vacation! There's enough actively to burn off some of your wine and 4 course dinners; but as noted, it's not a challenging journey. Like a great "slow food" event, this is a great "slow vacation." 2 of the walks were moderately more strenuous than others. Canarra to Spello was 18k and ended with a nice uphill climb. And Spello to Assisi also had about a 300m elevation (which felt like it all happened within a single kilometer). If you're a dogmatic fitbit freak, you'll easily get your 15k steps a day on this journey. We typically logged over 20k steps a day between the inn-to-inn journey and then the local walking at destination. It felt just right. Montefalco, Bevagna, Spello and Assisi were great villages. Canarra definitely ranked lowest as a destination attraction. Not much to see there; but we did have a GREAT DINNER at Perbacco. And the walk from Canarra to Spello was "just right." Long enough at 18k to get a solid exercise and the views were stunning. If there's a way to recreate the walk from Bevagna to Spello - entirely eliminating the Canarra stop (while still capturing the beauty of Canarra to Spello walk) - I'd recommend that. And the team at the holiday providers made this journey SO EASY. Their preparation was PERFECT. And it was very easy to do business with them. They were absolutely delightful! I highly recommend them.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I did. The team at the holiday providers is just 3 working women. We definitely benefited this local operation; and they also booked small, local, operators.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a lovely holiday. It exceeded our expectations. It's 5 star worthy, but wasn't "Simply the best holiday I have ever been on." It was among my top 10% of all vacations. We just loved it.Lisa Simon review 8 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved walking into each walled medieval town - traveling on foot made us feel a bit like pilgrims! Each one was more beautiful than the last, although we were especially grateful to have hiked to Colepino, since it was so much smaller and less touristic than the others.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Speak in advance with the operator if you wish for a more strenuous tour than the one offered - we were very happy to have a 24 km day included in our trip at our request.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - the entire enterprise was family run, and each of our hotels seemed locally owned.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful! Umbria is a special place and we were happy to experience it in the off season.Terri Trier review 5 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The little towns we stayed in were amazing. So full of life. Lots of places to eat.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You may not always have a stop along the way to use the toilet or grab some water, so be prepared.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I do think it benefited local people. The inns that we stayed in were all owned by locals many of them actually inheriting the places from elderly family members. All the restaurants we dined in were small and owned by people within the towns. Everyone made us feel welcome.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic. We would do it again in a heartbeat.Lauren Marshall review 24 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking through the olive groves from Spello to Assisi was amazing as was the Spello loop that took us up to a tiny village and then back around to Spello. The accommodation was certainly above our expectations with 4 of the 5 being absolutely fantastic and all were in fabulous locations. We were given recommendations for meals and none let us down.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take up the recommendations for restaurants- they were all great. Don't hurry you have plenty of time to really enjoy the scenery. This is not a taxing walk, more a leisurely stroll so suitable for most people.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed in small B&B's ate at local restaurants so benefiting the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My sister and I did this walk in March and really enjoyed it. The communication in organising and questions we had prior to the trip were all answered promptly. The accommodation above our expectations and in fabulous locations. We were given great recommendations for meals. Maps were generally easy to read with us only getting a little lost once and that due more to us than them. This is the perfect walk for people who just want an easy pace and to take in the scenery of a small piece of Umbria. All in All fabulous.Holiday Reviews
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